Weekend Recap | Kodiaks feeling good with playoffs looming

Feb. 13, 2023 - The Lethbridge College Kodiaks basketball and volleyball teams delivered many positive results this weekend, putting them in great position with conference championships upcoming.

Both Kodiaks basketball teams have already clinched their championships spots, with the men clinching the Alberta College’s Athletic Conference (ACAC) south division crown on Friday after a big defeat of Augustana. The women also managed to defeat a tough Augustana side, although their championships spot is already secured due to being the host.

Meanwhile, a win over Augustana for Kodiaks men’s volleyball ensured a second place finish for the Kodiaks, which guarantees a spot at ACAC championships. Kodiaks women’s volleyball will be looking to win a play-in game against Medicine Hat College this upcoming Friday night to earn their way into an ACAC championships spot.

Women’s Volleyball

Friday, Feb. 10 – Kodiaks 0 at UAA Vikings 3 (14-25, 19-25, 21-25)

The women took a tough loss against the north division’s Augustana Vikings in their regular season finale. Jamie Brown was a top scorer for the Kodiaks with nine kills and one ace on the night. The Kodiaks also saw great defensive efforts from Elyse Doble and Mack Lewicki, who combined for 23 digs.

The loss did not affect the Kodiaks in the standings, as they finish in third place in the ACAC south division with a 10-9 record. The team will host the Medicine Hat College Rattlers on Friday night at 6 p.m. in an ACAC play-in game, with the winner advancing to ACAC championships in Red Deer the following weekend.

Men’s Volleyball

Friday, Feb. 10 – Kodiaks 3 at MHC Rattlers 1 (25-20, 25-14, 25-22)

The Kodiaks closed out their regular season with a dominant win against University of Alberta Augustana. Shaye Wall had an impressive game leading the team offensively with a .643 hitting percentage and 10 kills. Adam Revet was able to help the team out defensively at the net with three solo blocks on the night.

The Kodiaks improved their record to 15-4 and clinched second place in the ACAC south division, earning an automatic bye to championships. The team will have a week off before playing at ACAC Championships in Fort McMurray beginning Feb. 23.

Women’s Basketball

Friday, Feb. 10 – UAA Vikings 64 at Kodiaks 78

The Kodiaks women’s basketball team stays in the top three of the south division standings after winning their lone game this weekend. The Kodiaks took a commanding lead in the first quarter, but the Vikings were able to keep the game close by chipping away at the lead. The eventual ACAC player of the game, Courtney Deemter, was a standout for the Kodiaks. Her ability to drive to the basket to pull in fouls paced the Kodiaks offence and her effort on defence led to four steals, helping her team maintain momentum. Tylee Leavitt led the offensive charge for the Kodiaks putting up 20 points on the night.

The team has two regular season games remaining and will travel this weekend to play north division teams Keyano and Lakeland. They will then have two weeks off before hosting the ACAC women’s basketball championships beginning March 2.

Men’s Basketball

Friday, Feb. 10 – UAA Vikings 65 at Kodiaks 83 

The Kodiaks win over Augustana secured the ACAC south division title and clinched them a top seed spot at ACAC championships. On Friday the Kodiaks had a tough battle in the first half as the Vikings kept up the pace. Jaxon Davison helped the Kodiaks pull away coming out of the second half. Davison was able to draw fouls in and pick up five points for the team in the third quarter. Filip Karanovic was the Kodiaks lead scorer on the night picking up 23 points, leading him to ACAC player of the game honours.

The team will wrap up the regular season on the road this weekend against Keyano and Lakeland before heading to championships hosted in Calgary beginning March 2.

Indoor Track

Feb. 10/12 – Pandas Open at Butterdome, Edmonton 

The Kodiaks indoor track team had another record-breaking weekend. Gunnarr Gibb started the weekend off by breaking the 300m record, which was set back in 2015 by Alex Andres. He also helped improve the current Kodiaks and ACAC 4x200m record time. The weekend continued with Cooper Williams breaking both the 1000m record (set only three weeks ago by Owen Stewart) and the 1500m record set by Alex Harding in 2015. 

Upcoming Schedule:

Feb. 17 – WVB vs. Medicine Hat Rattlers (W – 6 p.m.)

Feb. 17 – BB at Keyano Huskies (W – 6 p.m. M – 8 p.m.)

Feb. 18 – BB at Lakeland Rustlers (W – 6 p.m. M – 8 p.m.)

Feb. 18 – IT Running Room Grand Prix #2 at Gary W. Harris CGC